Retrofit Chicago provides model for cities to achieve emissions goals
Like many cities, Chicago has set ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Building energy use accounts for more than 70% of Chicago’s emissions. To reduce energy consumption, the city has developed a voluntary program called Retrofit Chicago which provides awards for participants.
Retrofit Chicago began in 2012 with a dozen buildings and has expanded to 75 buildings. It’s estimated that the program has reduced emissions by 70,000 metric tons and saved 90 million kW-hours per year.
Building owners in Chicago have replaced old fluorescent lights with LEDs, installed energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, installed white roofs to reflect sunlight, and created rooftop gardens to absorb carbon.
At COP 21 in Paris in 2015, The World Green Building Council set a goal for cities to reach net-zero carbon by 2050. To reach this goal, building energy usage in cities must be cut anywhere from 50 to 85%. Heating, cooling, hot water, and lighting are the primary energy loads in most buildings. I recommend that cities around the world study building updates in Chicago and determine how they can introduce similar updates in their own cities. By following Retrofit Chicago’s example, cities can move toward net-zero carbon.
Sources:
https://www.c40.org/researches/climate-opportunity-more-jobs-better-health
